Despite a heady run as underdogs in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, the Bishop Ireton Cardinals fell back to earth against St. John’s in the championship game Sunday night.

Ireton’s defense, which had held strong in an upset win against nationally-ranked Good Counsel earlier in the tournament, faced a tough corner shot with nine minutes left in the first half. Cadets’ senior midfielder Shannon Collins knocked the ball in to make it 1-0.

Though the Cardinals looked to capitalize on several potential scoring plays in the second half, they could not seal the deal.

Collins’ goal was the sole score of the match. When the game-ending buzzer sounded in the Maryland Soccer Complex, the St. John’s squad was celebrating the shutout championship victory.